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1 of 253523 objects
Games table 1850-61
Yew, cherrywood, arbutus, bog oak | 79.0 x 80.0 x 43.5 cm (whole object) | RCIN 1488
? James Egan (1799-1842)
Games table 1850-61
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Rectangular folding games table of yew with marquetry decoration; a central oval reserve depicts Muckross Abbey, flanked by ferns, within geometric and foliate borders; apron of oak leaf trails; square tapering legs, foliate inlay at tops.
The precise provenance of this piece remains unknown, but Queen Victoria did visit Muckross Abbey, Killarney, on 29 August 1861. She was presented on this occasion with two gifts by Lord Castlerosse, a cabinet and a desk made of bog oak and arbutus work, made by a local manufacturer, James Egan. Unfortunately the descriptions of these pieces do not match that of this games table; neither do either of the pieces described survive in the collection today. This is not to say, however, that this table was not presented to the Queen at a later date. It certainly entered the collection before December 1861, as it is known to have been used by Prince Albert.
The table was almost certainly made in Killarney, since many similar examples of Killarney Ware exist with the same marquetry decoration in arbutus, a shrub of Mediterranean origin, which flourished in the mild damp climate of South West Ireland, and bog oak, dug up during the 1820s. It is attributed, with less certainty, to James Egan, one of the leading makers in this style.Provenance
Probably acquired by Queen Victoria
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Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Yew, cherrywood, arbutus, bog oak
Measurements
79.0 x 80.0 x 43.5 cm (whole object)
Place of Production
Killarney [County Kerry]